The SpecialMoms Parenting Magazine 4th Issue | Page 15

Is there a special needs community,
whether it be online or offline, that
has been very helpful for you in your
journey that you would like to share
with others?

Can you share with us your child’s
diagnosis?
Brielle was born affected by cytomegalovirus
(CMV), a very common but dangerous virus for
unborn children. (For more information about
CMV, including how to prevent the spread, visit
the CDC website here.) She has moderate cerebral
palsy, walks with a limp, has fine motor issues especially with her right hand, is non-verbal but uses
fairly fluent sign language, and functions academically at a fourth grade level. Many children affected
prenatally by CMV are deaf, blind, and have issues
with seizures, feeding, and more severe cerebral
palsy. Thankfully, Brielle was spared these things.

We know that we are our child’s biggest
advocates, but for a new parent who just
learned that their child will have special
challenges, what would you tell them?
If you thought parenting was a job, special needs
parenting is whole level up from that. Roll up your
sleeves and get in there. Learn from anyone who
can teach you something – therapists, teachers,
doctors, other parents. Read everything you can.
Stay organized. Take notes on everything. Save every report and clearly label them so you can retrieve
them later. Being focused on the “work s